Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser., 1887-02-25

must make all euOIls IeLo III 1uo iii0
Of definite object, in order to secure
the measure of success desired.
But the object must not only be
defnite,it must also be practicable, that
is, attainable by the proper use of the
resources at command. Many failures,
both of individuals and associations,
may be traced to want OF intelligent
selection in this regard. The object
is definite enough, bnt it is beyond
the reach of the utmost exertlons In
the given case, and defeats every at
tempt directed to its attainment. 1t
is useless to fire at an object a thou
sand yards off with a rifle that will
carry but half the distance and it is
equally useless, with talents OF very
ordinary description, to attempt the
solution Of problems that have taxed
the capacity of the most profound.
calm high" when subjected to suita
BILE limitations, is no doubt very
useful rule; but unrestricted by sober
reason, it has allured multitudes to
humiiiating failure. The devotee oil
fashion, with but limited means, seeks
to rival his weather neighbor in
pompous display. Like the frog, in
the fable, he aspires to reach the pro-
portions Of the OK, and, If he does not
burst his integument 10 the effort, he
bankrupts his fortune, and reaps
poverty and ruin as the reward of his
folly. The youth, with abilities that
fit him for some useful but humble
Occupation in life, thrusts himself
forward into one of the learned pro-
fessions, only to fnd, when too late,
his illusions dispelled, his hopes frus-
trated, and continual misfortune the
result of his misdirected choice. In
like manner, associations, by neglect
ing to limit their objects to the capac-
ity of their resources, have strlven al
ter the inaccessible, and gone down to
oblivion, "unwept, unhonored. and un-
sung" Let the object, therefore, be
definite, but, above all, let it be practl-
cable; for there is no drearier specta-
Gle, under the sun, than that which is
presented, when high-minded men,,
prompted by unreasoning enthusiasm,
bend all their energies to the attain
ment of that which is forever beyond
their reach. 1t would be ridiculous,
did not the results make it tragical.
The second condition, in due success
sion, is wise and judicious methods. 1t
is hardly necessary to enlarge on this
point. The proposition is automatic
its truth, beyond question. How
ever definite and practicable the pur-
pose, it is constantly liable to miscarry
through the use of improper methods.
If the man of business would succeed,
he must follow the way leadlng to sue
ces; and deviation therefrom will
be fatal to his prospects. To the asso-
citation that would accomplish its pur-
poses, must select appropriate methods,
aud adhere faithfully to them in all its
course. To do this, is to approach
nearer and nearer the desired goal to
do otherwise, is to invite disaster.
The third and last condition, which,
though highly important, must be very
briefly considered, is zeal and fidelity on
the part of the individual members.
fsuccess Is to be achived, there is work
to be done. 1t is rule of that provi-
Dental economy which pervades the
moral and intellectual world, that
no good shall be enjoyed without some
anteeedent effort. mo cross, mo crown"
no labor, no reward, is the universal
law to which individuals and associa-
tions must alike ubmit. But the work
to be done, must be done by the men,
bers The GENITAL authority may plan,
but they must execute it may resolve,
but they must perform. Upon them,
as integral parts, the welfare of the
whole must ultimately depend, and
their conduct will determine the re-
suits secured. The individual who
starts in life, animated by good pur-
pose, and committed to just methods,
is sure Of a successful career, if he
persevere in his chosen course. Moth
ing can defeat him. Even though be
reap not a superabundance of material
good,yet he will gain reputation that
will stand him in stead, whatever
temporary misfortunes may assail him.
So the association, possessing the re-
quisites of good purpose and wise
methods, when backed by the intelli
gent zeal and answering fidelity of
its membership, must succeed in what
it has proposed to effect. All the es-
sential conditions meet and concur, in
the given case, and the result connot
be doubtful.
Now, the principles, thus briefly
enuncated, are universal in their ap-
plication, and it is not too much to
say that their presence and concur
renee are indispensable to the success
full prosecution Of all enterprises of an
associated character. They reach and
include all associations, whether gen
eral or special, lay their burdens upon
them all, and demand of them all a
cheerful acquiescencc in their salutary
exactions.
OF teachers associations, it may be
said, generally, that they have at least
two of the indicated elements of sue
ces present with them. Their object
is definite and practicable. While it
does not startle by its magnitude, or
allure by gaudy promises, it is never
theless worthy of all commeudation,
and deserving of all support. 1t con-
templates simply the cultivation of a
spirit Of unity and fraternity among
teachers, as members of the same pro-
fesfion, and the formation of their eff
Cheney in all that relates to their COM
mon duties. 1t thus appeals not only
to their personal interest and self i'm
portance, but still more strongly that
higher motive which has respect to
the permanent well being of those who
are committed to their care. While it
aims primarily and directly to exalt